When does the Theaterfest 2026 in Mannheim take place?

The Theaterfest takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, starting at 1 PM. The festival concert begins at 6 PM.

Where does the Theaterfest take place?

The event location is the OPAL at Theodor-Heuss-Anlage 10 in 68165 Mannheim.

How much does admission to the Theaterfest cost?

Admission to the Theaterfest is free.

What program points are there at the Theaterfest?

The program includes insights into the adventure opera Journey to the Moon, the dance evening Dreamer, a Dance Challenge, the Two Minute Show, field railway rides from the Technoseum, and a concluding festival concert.

Is the OPAL accessible for people with disabilities?

Access to the OPAL is barrier-free for wheelchair users. There are wheelchair spaces and barrier-free sanitary facilities.

How is the OPAL accessible by public transport?

The OPAL is reachable by line 6 via the stops Luisenpark/Technoseum or Carl-Benz-Stadion.

Theaterfest 2026: Mannheim's OPAL becomes a stage for a whole season

Name: Theaterfest 2026
Start: 2026-09-27T13:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-27T18:00:00+02:00
Location: OPAL

Theaterfest 2026: A sparkling start to the new season in Mannheim

When the OPAL and its surrounding area transform into a vibrant theater landscape on Sunday, September 27, 2026, the new season 2026.27 begins with a festival for all generations. The Theaterfest of the National Theater Mannheim combines stage experiences, music, dance, participatory activities, and encounters into a diverse cultural day with free admission.

Four genres, one festival area

Starting at 1 PM, the OPAL at Theodor-Heuss-Anlage will become a dazzling stage for opera, dance, theater, and the Young National Theater. Visitors will experience first insights into the adventure opera Journey to the Moon, be swept away by grand arias from the new season, and discover the artistic range of the National Theater Mannheim.

Opera sounds, dance energy, and creative participatory moments

The lineup of the Theaterfest leads directly into the artistic season: The new opera Journey to the Moon gives a taste of its imaginative stage world. The dance evening Dreamer opens up new movement languages, while a Dance Challenge gets the audience moving. In the Two Minute Show, every second counts: Two minutes are enough for a personal moment in the spotlight.

A ride through the theater world on the field railway

Even outside of the OPAL, there is a program waiting. A ride on the field railway of the Technoseum allows for an exploration of the area from a unique perspective. A crime case for the whole family provides excitement and turns the theater festival into a cultural and family experience with a festival character.

The crowning finale: Festival concert for the season opening

In the evening, the festival day ends with the theater festival concert. The National Theater Orchestra and soloists from the opera will create the musical highlight of the season opening at 6 PM. Open-air impressions around the OPAL, the special atmosphere of a new interim venue, and the closeness to the artists make this day an intense multi-day experience that kicks off the new season.

Well accessible and barrier-free

The OPAL is located at Theodor-Heuss-Anlage 10 in Mannheim. The stops Luisenpark/Technoseum and Carl-Benz-Stadion are reachable via line 6. Next to the building, there is a public parking lot; bicycle parking spaces are also available. Access to the OPAL is barrier-free for wheelchair users, as well as barrier-free sanitary facilities and wheelchair spaces.

Conclusion: Experience theater before the season begins

The Theaterfest 2026 brings together the entire diversity of the National Theater Mannheim in one day: opera, dance, theater, family program, encounters, and a festive concert. Those who want to experience the new season live, and not just read it in the program, will enjoy festival atmosphere, community feeling, and a diverse behind-the-scenes look at the theater in the OPAL.